Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Sometimes the recruitment of key staff takes longer than expected. Above all else, it must be done on a quality assured basis and the multidisciplinary approach works extraordinarily well. I discussed population screening programmes with other countries. I know of no country which was able to do it quickly. I do not state it took seven years. I cannot state that and put my hand on my heart. It takes quite some time from when the policy is approved to the time the population covered by the screening is contacted and screened and receiving follow-up attention.

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